MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 31: Sojo.net
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “Sojo.net” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to Sojo.net.
You will learn what Sojo.net wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.
Guide: How to Write for Sojourners (Sojo.net) and Get Paid
This step-by-step guide helps you understand how to pitch, write, and publish for Sojourners, one of the leading publications at the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice.
Whether you are a journalist, an activist, or a layperson with a strong story, this guide breaks down their submission process, what editors are looking for, and how to frame your idea to get a “Yes.”
Section 1 · The Mission
What Sojourners actually wants from writers
Sojourners is not a standard Christian devotional site, nor is it a purely secular political magazine. It exists in the tension between the two. Their tagline is “Faith in Action for Social Justice.”
To get published here, your writing must bridge the gap between spiritual conviction and public action. They aren’t looking for abstract theology; they want to know how faith impacts the real world—immigration, climate, racial justice, and poverty.
Successful articles usually explore:
- Systemic Injustice: Analysis of structures that oppress, viewed through a moral lens.
- Biblical Justice: Commentary that reclaims scripture for liberation and advocacy.
- Culture & Arts: Reviews of movies, books, or music that speak to the human condition and justice.
- Creation Care: Environmental justice connected to faith stewardship.
Avoid pitching these:
- Pure Devotionals: “5 ways to pray better” (unless tied to justice).
- Partisan Rants: Political attacks without nuance or spiritual grounding.
- Academic Papers: Dense theological jargon that isn’t accessible to a lay audience.
- Breaking News: Unless you are a reporter on the ground with an exclusive angle, they usually cover news via staff or wire.
Section 2 · Choose your Lane
Where does your story fit?
Sojo.net publishes different types of content. Knowing exactly which “bucket” your idea falls into will help the editor say yes. You aren’t just pitching “an article”; you are pitching a Culture Review or a Feature.
| Section | What it is | Length (Est.) | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commentary | Opinion / Op-Ed | 700–900 words | A strong argument about a current event, policy, or cultural moment, backed by faith ethics. |
| Features | Reporting / Narrative | 1200–2000+ words | Deep dives, on-the-ground reporting, interviews, and storytelling about justice work. |
| Culture | Reviews / Essays | 800–1200 words | Reviews of film, TV, books, or music. Must answer: “Why does this art matter to justice/faith?” |
| The Magazine | Print Edition | Various | Higher bar for entry. Often planned months in advance. Requires high-quality journalism. |
Section 3 · The Pitch
How to structure a pitch for Sojourners
Editors at Sojourners are busy. They don’t need the full article; they need a pitch. A pitch is a persuasive email (or form submission) that sells your idea.
Start with the Story, not the Topic
Don’t say: “I want to write about climate change.”
Do say: “I want to report on how a small church in coastal Virginia is replanting marshes to save their community from rising tides, and what it teaches us about stewardship.”
Establish Timeliness
Why does this need to be published this week? Is there a new bill in Congress? A viral cultural moment? An anniversary of a historical event? Sojo.net needs content that feels urgent.
State your argument clearly
For commentary pieces, summarize your argument in one sentence. “I will argue that the modern church’s silence on [Issue X] contradicts the parable of [Y].”
Why are YOU the one to write this?
Are you an expert? Do you have lived experience? Are you a pastor, an activist, or a journalist on the scene? Briefly explain your credentials.
Section 4 · Workflow
Step-by-Step Submission Process
Sojourners often uses a specific submission workflow. Here is how to navigate it professionally.
Section 5 · Money & Rights
Payment & Career Growth
Sojourners is a paying market, but rates can vary significantly based on whether the piece is for the print magazine or the website (Sojo.net), and the depth of reporting required.
- Web Commentary/Blogs: Often a flat fee (historical data suggests $50–$150 range, but verify current rates).
- Magazine Features: Typically higher per-word rates (often $0.50/word or more depending on complexity).
- Poetry: Usually a modest honorarium.
Note: Rates are subject to change. Always confirm with your editor upon acceptance.
- Prestige: Sojourners is widely respected in faith & political circles.
- Syndication: Their articles are often shared widely, helping you build a portfolio.
- Networking: Great way to connect with the progressive Christian community.